Amanda Staveley targets West Ham stake and London Stadium purchase
Amanda Staveley is exploring a deal to purchase a 25% stake in West Ham United alongside a potential buyout of the London Stadium.
The financier, who previously orchestrated the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United, is aiming to return to English football.
Her consortium, fronted alongside husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, is eyeing a significant minority investment in the east London club.
Any successful agreement would also see the group push to acquire the 62,500-capacity arena outright.
Taxpayer asset up for sale
The former Olympic venue has served as the permanent home of the Hammers since 2016.
However, the controversial relocation left the club as tenants paying minimal rent rather than owners of the ground.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is reportedly open to offloading the taxpayer-funded asset to ease ongoing financial burdens.
The stadium could potentially be available for as little as £50m.
A spokesperson for the Mayor confirmed an openness to future negotiations.
The Mayor would welcome any discussions regarding the London Stadium that would deliver greater value for money for Londoners.
Athletics complications and stadium delays
Purchasing the arena is heavily complicated by existing sporting commitments.
UK Athletics currently retains 40 years on a concession agreement guaranteeing access for summer events like the Diamond League.
Furthermore, London is fronting a bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
If that bid is successful, any major structural changes to improve the football experience would face a mandatory three-year delay.
Supporters have long criticised the venue’s acoustics and the significant distance between the stands and the pitch.
Boardroom battles and ownership changes
Staveley will face fierce competition in the boardroom to secure her desired stake.
The consortium must navigate past Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, who already operates as a highly influential co-owner.
Meanwhile, fellow co-owner David Sullivan recently stepped down as joint chairman amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
The 77-year-old has strenuously denied all accusations made against him.
Despite safeguarding warnings from stadium officials urging him to stay away, Sullivan controversially attended a recent Carabao Cup fixture.